Edo State Task Force Demolishes Kidnap Gang's Hideout in Benin City — Property Belongs to Woman Residing in Italy

 

In a bold move aimed at tackling insecurity and discouraging the use of private properties for criminal activities, the Edo State Task Force has demolished a residential building on College Road in Aduwawa, Benin City. According to official reports, the house was being used as a meeting point and base of operations for a notorious kidnapping gang that has been terrorizing the area.

What makes this case even more shocking is that the property allegedly belongs to a woman currently living abroad in Italy. However, it was her younger brother, Osamede Asemota, who was using the house for unlawful purposes. Asemota has since been arrested and is currently in police custody.

Shocking Confession from Suspect: "I feel very sad and confused about this development"

During police interrogation, Osamede Asemota opened up and confessed to being part of a dangerous five-man kidnapping gang. The group is believed to be responsible for multiple kidnapping operations in several areas of Benin City, including Aduwawa, Eyan, and the Auchi Bypass.

In a detailed confession, Asemota described how the gang recently abducted a woman from her shop at Ramat Park, one of the bustling commercial centers in the city. After the abduction, the woman was taken into hiding in a bush near Agbor Road, where she was held captive until a ransom was negotiated.

According to him, he personally received N350,000 as his share from the operation. He further disclosed that the gang had initially demanded N8 million as ransom from the victim’s family. Later on, they asked for an additional N3 million, threatening that if they were not paid, they would abduct the woman again in the future.

Osamede did not deny that the now-demolished building was being used as a hideout and strategy hub for the gang. In his own words:

“We sometimes meet at this compound to plan and carry out our activities. The house belongs to my sister, who lives in Italy. I stay alone here, and I feel very sad and confused about this development. I don’t know how she will feel hearing this because she has been supportive of me, sending me money and other things. I feel really bad that I had to involve her property this way,”

Second Suspect Arrested: "I returned out of greed"

In the course of the investigation, the police also arrested another suspect, identified as Michael Tare, who hails from Delta State. Tare was reportedly involved in the same Ramat Park kidnapping and confessed to receiving N1 million as his own share of the ransom.

However, his arrest came as a result of his own poor judgment. Despite having fled the city, Tare returned to Benin out of what he described as "greed," which led to his capture.

Demolition Sends Strong Warning: No Room for Criminal Safe Havens in Edo

The Edo State Task Force revealed that the demolition of the house was not a random act. It was a strategic decision aimed at sending a strong message to criminals and the public: residential or private properties used for criminal activities will not be spared, even if the owners are not directly involved.

This move is part of the state government’s zero-tolerance approach to insecurity. By taking down the physical infrastructure used by criminals, the government hopes to deter others from using homes or private buildings as operational bases for illegal activities.

Government Reaffirms Commitment to Security and Public Safety

A government spokesperson emphasized that the fight against kidnapping and other forms of violent crime will continue with full force. According to the spokesperson, the government is working closely with security agencies and the local communities to identify and dismantle criminal networks across the state.

“This demolition underscores our commitment to rooting out insecurity and criminal elements wherever they may hide. The people of Edo State deserve to live in peace, and we are prepared to take all necessary actions to restore safety and confidence in our neighborhoods,” the official stated.

The government also urged residents to stay alert, report suspicious activities, and collaborate with law enforcement agencies. Officials stressed that the battle against crime cannot be won by the government alone but requires the active involvement of all citizens.

Public Support Grows as Security Efforts Intensify

This latest crackdown is one of several recent operations that have resulted in arrests, prosecutions, and heightened public confidence in the state’s security strategy. Residents of Benin City and other parts of Edo State have praised the government’s resolve in dealing decisively with criminal gangs.

The demolition on College Road is a symbolic and practical warning — crime will not only cost perpetrators their freedom, but it may also lead to the loss of assets, even those belonging to unsuspecting relatives.

Stay tuned to NaijaRush for more updates as the story develops and more details emerge on the crackdown against kidnapping and organized crime in Edo State.